ASHLAND, OH - The Parkside Rangers fought a close battle against Ashland University in the final game of the Ashland Tournament. In the program's rich history, Parkside has yet to ever beat Ashland in an official volleyball match. Although the Rangers were defeated, each set remained tight and came down to the wire. The Eagles continued their undefeated efforts this season by handling the Rangers, three sets to none. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE: 

• Karlee Lois finished with a game high 30 assists and logged her fourth double-double with ten digs

• With 12 kills, Ava Irvin led the Rangers

Ashland pushed the pressure on Parkside from the get-go, jumping out to a nine-three lead in set one. Karlee Lois continued her star-studded weekend by rallying the troops back into the game. She picked up a momentum changing kill midway through the set and drew the Rangers within striking distance. Sam Fisch tied the game at 14 after Lois gave her a friendly feed above the net. The Eagles never made it easy, taking the last 11 out of 17 points to win the opening set, 25-20. 

All three of the sets were similar in the sense that they remained tight in the scoring category. The game found itself knotted at 11 in set two. The brilliant efforts from Ava Irvin and Sam Fisch kept the Rangers afloat. The two combined for 21 kills in the contest. But yet again, the Rangers were unable to get over the hump and take the lead at all in the set. Ashland was resilient and proved to be tough as nails. They swiped the second set, 25-21. 

Parkside began the third set on fire, leaping out to a six-one lead. It took no time for Ashland to respond as they climbed right back in the game. The Rangers held a 14-11 lead as their defense progressed throughout the match, out-blocking the Eagles (5-4). Ashland closed out the set and game with a 25-21 set three victory. 

Parkside was swept 3-0 in their final game competing in the 2023 Ashland Tournament. This wasn't the result head coach Leigh Barea was hoping for, but she is content with how her team fought. "The total team effort and intensity was exceptional. That's a very good Ashland team that we pushed and never gave up. We had more high errors than they were, but our errors were aggressive and ones that as we get more comfortable playing together will be cleaned up."

The Rangers are slated to host the Hampton Inn Invitation next weekend in Kenosha, Wisconsin. After beginning the season 2-2, Barea is optimistic and is eager to see the team develop throughout the year. "We are most excited about where this team is going and heights that they can get to. Every single member of our team is locked in and motivated to get to the next level. We have been preaching "being one" and it is clear when you watch how they interact from the sidelines to the court that they are living that."

Parkside opens the Hampton Inn with a match against Truman State University, beginning at 6:00 p. m. on Thursday. You can find coverage for the Hampton Inn Invitational at https://parksiderangers.com/coverage.